Real Madrid Transfer News: Los Blancos Have No Need for Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti's agent revealed Real Madrid tried to sign the Italy international during the 2014 summer transfer window, and while the Paris Saint-Germain star would be a natural replacement for the departed Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos have no need for his services.

As reported by the Daily Express' Anthony Chapman, Donato Di Campli confirmed Real made an offer to the French champions over the summer, saying:

"

Did Real Madrid try to sign Verratti? You could say that, yes.

Madrid made an offer for Marco, but PSG had their demands and the clubs didn't reach an agreement, so we didn't do anything more.

This is why Marco stayed put and still plays with PSG.

"

It's easy to see why Los Blancos would be interested in Verratti. As a deep-lying playmaker, he displays the same traits that made Alonso such a massive hit at the Bernabeu.

The 21-year-old is already an accomplished passer, frequently compared to Juventus' Andrea Pirlo and hailed as his future replacement. He has quietly developed into an integral part of PSG's midfield, where his strong performances are often overshadowed by some of the team's attacking players.

He was one of Italy's best players in the buildup to the 2014 World Cup, where Cesare Prandelli sacrificed his range by playing him next to Pirlo. As shared by WhoScored.com, that didn't stop him from putting on a passing clinic:

Verratti is more than just a passer, however. He's a very underrated defensive presence, who relies on his vision and positioning to break up scoring opportunities before they have the chance to develop.

Like Alonso, he doesn't rush into tackles. The former Spanish international had his own ideas regarding tackling, via The Sunday Times' Tony Barrett:

On the pitch, the youngster resembles Alonso perhaps more than any other player in the world. It's no surprise Carlo Ancelotti was interested in bringing him to the Spanish capital. But following the conclusion of the 2014 window, the move no longer makes sense.

Real invested heavily in Toni Kroos, and while the German isn't known as a defensive anchor, that's exactly the responsibility he's been given. He has the same passing range Verratti does, and his high football IQ is off the charts. Kroos has been asked to learn how to defend like Alonso, and all signs point to success.

The German international needs confidence right now. There will be some growing pains along the way, and it's vital the club sticks with their prized summer acquisition no matter what. Being linked with a potential replacement won't help Kroos, even if he'd likely just be moved to a different spot in the starting XI should Verratti arrive.

Besides, the Italian has little reason to leave Paris. PSG have put their faith in him, developed him into the player he is today and treated him as an invaluable piece of their team. According to Goal.com's Robin Bairner, it will result in a new contract that will keep Verratti with Les Bleus for the foreseeable future:

Sure, Real have the financial firepower to pull off a move for Verratti, even if PSG aren't exactly short on cash, either. But with Kroos already in the fold, it just makes little sense for Los Blancos to invest in a position that shouldn't require new blood if the German lives up to his billing.

Florentino Perez is anything but a conventional club president—Real had no need for James Rodriguez, either, but they signed the Colombian superstar anyway. One can never rule out what the controversial Perez will do next, but a move for Verratti should not be at the top of his list.

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